Betamethasone Dipropionate

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 12, 2023

Warnings

Betamethasone Dipropionate Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Betamethasone dipropionate can cause serious health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options if you are at increased risk of complications from betamethasone dipropionate use.

HORMONAL CHANGES: Betamethasone topical cream and similar medications pass through the skin’s epidermal barrier. They can cause changes in hormone levels like systemic corticosteroids. The risk of adverse effects is higher if topical corticosteroids are used for prolonged periods, on large areas of skin, or to cover the treated area, such that the drug passes into the bloodstream. Hormonal changes caused by betamethasone dipropionate may include adrenal insufficiency (Cushing’s syndrome), glucosuria (sugar in urine), and high blood sugar. Children are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects from too much corticosteroid in the body. Hormone changes in children may lead to delayed weight gain and slowed growth. The risk of hormone changes is higher in people with damaged skin or liver failure. These hormonal changes can occur during treatment or after you stop using betamethasone dipropionate. Your healthcare provider might recommend adrenal gland function tests to monitor hormone levels.
EYE CONDITIONS: The augmented formulations of betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone valerate and the spray (Sernivo) can increase the risk of eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. Avoid getting betamethasone into your eyes. Call your doctor immediately if you experience blurry vision or other changes in vision.
SECONDARY INFECTIONS: Rarely, betamethasone dipropionate can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of secondary skin infections. Call your doctor immediately if you develop signs and symptoms of skin infections, such as redness, dryness, oozing of pus. Your doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy for the infection, including antimicrobial therapy and/or temporarily stopping betamethasone dipropionate use, if needed.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Betamethasone dipropionate can cause allergic skin reactions and prevent proper healing of cuts or wounds. Tell your doctor if you experience a severe skin rash or skin irritation after using betamethasone.

Precautions Before Starting Betamethasone Dipropionate

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to betamethasone dipropionate, other topical corticosteroids, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of active and inactive ingredients in betamethasone dipropionate products.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a full list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication if there are known interactions.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Betamethasone dipropionate may not be right for people with certain medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, and Cushing’s syndrome.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breast feeding.

Precautions During Use of Betamethasone Dipropionate

Visit your doctor regularly during treatment with betamethasone dipropionate.

Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using betamethasone dipropionate. It is unclear if this medicine passes into breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks if you are breast feeding an infant.

Tell all your doctors you are using betamethasone topical cream, especially if you are having surgery, including dental procedures.

Betamethasone Dipropionate Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how betamethasone dipropionate works. Possible interactions between betamethasone dipropionate and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse reactions.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, OTC (non-prescription) medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professionals if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

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